Page:Georgie by Dorothea Deakin, 1906.djvu/125

The Humorist soubrette are ready. I am a humorist myself—refined humorist and ventriloquist, and the best mimic in the provinces. You'll get your money back a hundredfold. It's the chance of a lifetime."

I listened to his twanging voice and looked at the vamping pianist who was a Jonah, and wondered at the man's hopefulness. If I had seen more of his profession, I should have expected that glowing and ever-constant hope of success which marks his kind. Eagerly he waited for my reply, but I made none.

Georgie, however, had been listening keenly and, as it afterward turned out, to some purpose. He turned and spoke to Drusilla in a low voice:

"Did you do what I asked, Drusilla?"

"Yes." She spoke gravely.

"Any good?" He glanced compassionately at the drooping head of the girl in the window.

"No good at all, my dear boy. She loves the life. You must give it up, Georgie. She wouldn't for worlds. And 109